COUNCILLORS in Burntwood have asked for more information before committing to funding the creation of a new cultural strategy for the town.
A proposal was put to Burntwood Town Council by Limitless, a team of professionals led by local artist Peter Walker with experience in arts and culture delivery.
The project was aiming to boost Burntwood by helping to “amplify the unique voice and position it as a vibrant and resilient town ready for the future”.
But councillors have now asked for more details and a presentation on the idea at a meeting in January to help provide clarity on what the outcome would be.
Cllr Steve Norman, chair of the town council’s policy and resources committee, said:
“Almost ten years ago Burntwood-born artist Peter Walker invited residents to capture memories of Burntwood in video interviews for a time capsule as part of a wider project on the Staffordshire Hoard.
“Of course, he also created the town’s only public sculpture, Scamp at Sankey’s Corner.
“However, I reminded members that we had the Town Strategy in 2011, WS7 Our Place in 2015, and the Neighbourhood Plan referendum in 2021, so there has been a lot of consultation over the years and it was unclear how this would add to our understanding of residents’ wishes and aspirations.
“All members agreed that they did want further information and asked for a presentation.”
A report to a meeting earlier this month had revealed that the cultural strategy project would cost around £30,000 and take place in three phases.
It said:
“External funding to cover the cost of this project has been explored, however as an innovative and unique proposal, it has been challenging to find a funding source that this project meets the criteria of.
“Burntwood Town Council currently has approximately £79,000 in the earmarked reserve for town strategy which could be made available to cover the cost of this project.”
What is needed, is not more art but more school places more doctors appointments available, and less pot holes in the local roads
Agreed more needs to be done for the growing population in our little town, why you our council want to spend £30,000 on arts ??? surely this amount of our taxpayers money should be spent wisely? How about those speed signs on milestone way/bridge cross road/cannock road ? The speeding is ridiculous now that the speed cameras don’t work!!!! Our town needs help, less food shops/super markets, the state of our roads is a disgrace!!! Look at chasewater railway island, the triangle island potholes, and shoddy road repairs in the town centre. I guess our council will say that’s Staffordshire councils job!
Sadly the whole of the so called Burntwood Town Centre is stuck in the Doldrums. It is Shabby and Run Down. The Pub closed for years and an Eyesore.Whatva waste of Social Space.
I presume these Properties and Land are owned by Outsiders. Is this why there are limits what can or cannot be done.??
There is absolutely no way Retailers wish to come to Burntwood. It is Dead.
resurface the area is a good start and a coat of paint, more seating. And some grass.
lets create a Burntwood town to be proud of not avoid.
Do not waste this money on a consultation, imagination is the answer. Ask the people.
I am sure many would be prepared to give their own time to take a Survey.
Can someone translate this for me please? I don’t consider myself a stupid man but I can’t make head nor tail of this word soup. I read the article linked in the second paragraph from the 1st of this month which tells us this about Limitless:
“Their work focuses on creating meaningful connections between communities and their environments, leveraging the power of culture to shape identity, cohesion, and future growth.”
Which sounds like unmeasurable nonsense. Could the council burn a pile of tyres up the rec and call the resulting flurry of posts on Spotted Burntwood about the smoke a great success in creating meaningful connections between communities and their environment?
Bovine excrement baffles brains or put another way “ verborum fluxus Venturi’ (Latin)
Will we end up with something like we’ve got now, more wooden bollards and block paving, does not look very friendly, more like something to stop invading forces.